The clock is ticking away to Mother’s Day and you are empty handed! Don’t worry, we have a few ideas that can get you out of this jam and save you from looking like the rotten egg of the family.

This list is comprised of DIY projects, donations, and ideas that can be done on the spot, will show effort and thought, and can truly be a gift from your heart. What mother wouldn’t be pleased!

1. The DIY Birdhouse (this coconut version is particularly slick)

Perfect for the arrival of spring, could be done solo or with the kids, and doesn’t have to be made from a coconut. Use your imagination to create a house for mother nature’s creatures from any old container lying around the house.

2. Hammered Leaf and Flower Prints (naturally made with a little elbow grease)

These beautiful prints we found at Instructables and are made using leaves, flowers, or any colorful foliage, some acid free water color paper, and a hammer. The basic concept is that you smash the natural dyes of the plant material into the paper. Stunning and simple, perfect for a card or even a framed print!

3. The Homemade Solar Sun Jar (these have been a round for awhile but mom will get a kick out of them)

These jars lights are solar powered, can be quickly made at home (with a quick trip to the hardware store), and are much more appealing than your typical solar powered garden light. I have to admit, perhaps not the greenest concept considering you have to destroy a perfectly good solar lamp to make it, but if you have an old one from years gone by give it a face lift!

4. Make a Donation to American Forests and Plant a Tree!

This could be a two part gift. First, plant your own tree in honor of your mother, then make a donation to the American Forests Foundation where every dollar plants a tree. American Forests to protect, restore and enhance the natural capital of trees and forests.

5. DIY Recycled Flower Pot (easy to make, good project for the kids)

All you’ll need are some basic scraps from around the house to make this crafty item from Kaboose. An old plastic milk jug, some paper and felt scraps, soil, white glue, a flower, paintbrush, water, knife, bowl and you are off and running!

6. Sponsor a Wild Place, One for Mom One for Mother Earth (easiest of all, just requires your wallet!)

One For Mom One for Mother Earth from Sierra Club is a donation for the conservation of one of our great natural treasures. You can make a donations towards the Giant Sequoia National Monument, Grand Canyon National Park, Everglades National Park, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park , Acadia National Park (this one is close to my house!).